This year, World Osteoporosis Day was held on October 20th and the purpose is to raise awareness, educate, and prevent this "silent disease." Our chapter hosted a successful "Milk Mustache Photo Session" to raise money for the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Although it was gloomy outside, we thank everyone who came out in support and donated to our Philanthropy.

So what is it?

Osteoporosis is a disease that makes your bones weak and more likely to fracture which is cause by low bone density(osteopenia). And, seeing how bone is a living tissue, it is constantly being replaced by new bone. Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form the new bone, when too much existing bone is absorbed by the body, or BOTH. The disease is commonly seen in the hip, wrist, and spine. Unfortunately, there are not any symptoms for Osteoporosis, so most people do not know that they have the disease until they have already fractured a bone. Although there are no symptoms, there are risk factors.

Who's at risk?

Osteoporosis can affect anyone. However, certain people have higher risks:

Sex. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis

Age.* The older you are, the greater the risk.

Race. You're at greater risk if you are of Asian decent or Caucasian

Family History. Having a parent or sibling with osteoporosis, put you at a greater risk, especially if you have a family history of hip fractures

Frame Size. Men and women with small body frames have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to draw from as they age

How do you prevent Osteoporosis?

Simple! There are three main ways you can prevent Osteoporosis1. Adequate amounts of Calcium (but be careful! too much can lead to heart problems and kidney stones)2. Adequate amounts of Vitamin D (good for absorbing calcium)3. Regular exercise (helps build strong bones and slows bone loss)

And if you want to know if you have Osteoporosis, just go to your family doctor and have your bone density measured, It is a painless x-ray where you lie on a padded table and have your body scanned. In most cases, only a few bones are checked--spine, wrist, and hip.

So don't be nervous and get check. Knowing early allows you to start preventative measures if you haven't already. Even if you do have low risk, it doesn't mean you are clear from having it. Be sure to take care of your health.

Better bones are happy bones!

*Please note that just because you are young does NOT mean you are not at risk. The skeleton is still growing into early adulthood (mid 20s) and it's important to take care of your health for the sake of your bones.

Our chapter at the University of West Florida was chartered on March 27, 2010 by seven hardworking women and they have paved the way for future sisters. Through their hard work and dedication, they ensured that we remained an active force within our campus and community. Now, we are building on the foundation that these women have built for us and we are doing that through our seven virtues of Loyalty, Honest, Respect, Dedication, Integrity, Discipline, and Academic Excellence. It is challenging at times but we know that in the end of our undergraduate education, we will have done our part in upholding our virtues and mission.

Delta Phi Lambda, however, is more than just a chapter and collegiate experience--it is an Everlasting Sisterhood. Within our 15 years, we have established 15 chapters and the bond between sisters from school-to-school is inspiring in that we are always uplifting and encouraging one another. Our Sisterhood is more than a sleepover or a dinner night; it’s a bond that cannot be broken by being a few states away. Our Sisterhood is:

· encouraging one another to be strong · laughing at each other’s corny jokes · agreeing to disagree · having someone to lean on when you aren’t feeling as strong · holding your sister as she cries over a broken heart· screaming as she crosses the stage· knowing whose food is ok to finish and whose to not even look at· having future bridesmaids· rushing to her from across town at 2am· and so much more…

Delta Phi Lambda succeeds in unifying women of all backgrounds for a purpose and, though we may be vastly different, we are proud to call each other Sister.